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This initiative brought together police forces, enforcement bodies, and industry representatives with a shared objective: improving road safety through a balanced approach of education and enforcement.
The day included representatives from multiple police forces, DVSA, National Highways, and industry bodies including the CPA and RHA. Importantly, the association was present to observe activity and contribute to ongoing dialogue between industry and enforcement agencies.
The primary focus was education, engaging with drivers of commercial vehicles and promoting compliance. While taking enforcement action where necessary to address clear risks.
Vehicles were stopped for inspection based largely on officer judgement rather than predefined targeting criteria. Common indicators included vehicle condition, load presentation, and ANPR alerts. In practice, this meant some stops were based on experience and instinct rather than technical triggers.
Across the day:
While the overall approach was constructive and education-led, it was evident that levels of technical knowledge and consistency can vary between officers. This highlights the importance of ongoing engagement between industry and enforcement bodies to support clearer guidance and consistent application of regulations.
The association now has an open invitation to participate in future enforcement and education days, with an opportunity for members to attend, alongside CPA and RHA. This is a positive step, giving us greater opportunity to:
We are currently working with partner associations to align messaging and will be exploring opportunities for member involvement in future events.
We are continuing discussions with senior enforcement representatives on several technical topics, including movement notifications and load classification requirements, including STGO load descriptions. Updates will be shared as this work progresses.
In the meantime, we encourage all members to review their operational practices, particularly around vehicle condition, load security, and documentation to ensure full compliance and reduce the risk of enforcement action.
Following a meeting of the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG), we’re calling on operators to sign an open letter to the Policing Minister to back legislative reforms that support the delivery of critical infrastructure and housebuilding.
The letter asks the Minister to support the amendments tabled by Earl Attlee to the Crime and Policing Bill, which seek to address inconsistencies in how police forces handle heavy transport movements, and in particular, call for a national framework regulating when and how police forces charge for escorting (read the full letter below).
You can add your signature to the letter here.
NB: We have a short window of opportunity to influence the Bill, and signatures must be added by 5 December at the very latest.
Dear Minister
Support for Amendments 402 - 414 to the Crime and Policing Bill
We are writing to you as businesses who operate and rely on abnormal load transport, serving key infrastructure projects across the country, to ask you to support amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill.
Abnormal load movements - such as the transport of large construction materials, heavy machinery, caravans or modular building components - play a vital role in major infrastructure, housebuilding and the wider economy. Without reliable abnormal load logistics, builders would face delays, increased costs, and limitations on the types of materials or equipment they can use.
Independent economic analysis by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR) shows in stark terms the impact the current regulations are having. The current regulatory requirements are estimated to lead to reduced economic activity for the road haulage sector, amounting to a £1.5 billion loss over the next decade. This hampers economic growth and pushes up the cost of transporting essential goods and infrastructure.
We urge you to support the amendments tabled by Earl Attlee to the Crime and Policing Bill (HL Bill 111). These amendments, numbered 402 - 414, address major inconsistencies in how police forces handle heavy transport, abnormal load, caravan and mobile crane movements.
In particular, there is no national framework regulating when or how police forces charge for escorting or authorise these essential movements. This leads to arbitrary and excessive fees in some police force areas, creating uncertainty, delays, and financial burdens that hinder the timely delivery of vital infrastructure supporting housebuilding, net-zero goals and economic growth.
Earl Attlee's amendments seek to resolve this by:
These reforms would foster a fairer system, reduce regional disparities, and protect the sector's ability to contribute to the UK economy. The amendments are expected to be debated in committee from December 2025, with votes in early 2026, and already enjoy cross-party and strong industry backing.
Your support for these vital reforms would make a tangible difference to our sector and the communities we serve and the UK economy.
Yours sincerely,
Show your support - add your signature to the above letter here.
For maximum impact the HTA also urges Operators and customers to contact their local MPs and Peers with real-world examples of delays or overcharges - HTA's letter template.
The HTA today strongly endorses Amendments 402–414 tabled by Earl Attlee in the Crime and Policing Bill. These vital reforms promise to eliminate long-standing inconsistencies in police escort charging and authorisation for abnormal loads and mobile cranes, ensuring fairer, more transparent regulations that protect critical infrastructure delivery and economic growth.
As the Crime and Policing Bill progresses through the House of Lords - with committee debates scheduled for November and December 2025, and votes anticipated in early 2026 - the HTA calls on MPs, Peers, and industry stakeholders to rally behind these amendments. Inconsistent police practices across regions are causing undue delays, excessive fees, and economic harm, threatening the timely execution of national projects in construction, renewable energy, defence, and power generation.
Chris Britton, HTA Chair, has commented on proposed legislative changes aimed at resolving long-standing issues within the sector.
Britton stated that these amendments offer a vital opportunity to correct systemic imbalances:
"These amendments represent the most significant opportunity in recent years to address the imbalance and inconsistency our members experience in dealing with police authorities. We are grateful to Lord Attlee for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the sector, and we will continue to support his efforts with coordinated industry engagement and evidence-based input."
He goes on to explain that the real-world impact of current regulations, which often involve arbitrary fees and regional discrepancies:
“The current inconsistencies and unsustainable fees within the heavy transport sector are causing significant operational disruptions and financial strain. Wind turbine deliveries being delayed by unexpected costs, mobile crane movements facing holdups that impact vital road infrastructure and HS2 project timelines. Furthermore, critical defence shipments are suffering disruptions due to inconsistent regional applications of rules.”
“This status quo is unsustainable. Parliament has a timely opportunity to introduce equitable, cohesive reform that provides stability for the industry and bolsters UK infrastructure and employment opportunities.”
Abnormal load and mobile crane operators are the backbone of the UK's infrastructure sector, transporting oversized equipment essential for the net-zero transition, major engineering feats, and defence mobility. Yet, without a national framework, police forces apply discretionary charging variably - some impose hefty fees for statutory services, while others provide them free - leading to uncertainty that erodes competitiveness and investor confidence.
Key highlights of the amendments include:-
These changes, backed by cross-party support and industry leaders like the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG), Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), and Road Haulage Association (RHA), will foster a safer, more efficient system without burdening taxpayers.
The HTA is mobilising members through direct ministerial briefings, evidence submission to the Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and a coordinated lobbying push. Operators and customers are encouraged to contact their local MPs and Peers with real-world examples of delays or overcharges - using the HTA's letter template for maximum impact.
Support us - join the conversation on social media. Join the HTA.
The Heavy Transport Association wishes to inform members and industry colleagues of a recent change in leadership.
After many years of dedicated service, Marcus has stepped down as Chair of the HTA. This decision marks a natural moment for him to hand over the reins, and while he will no longer serve as Chair, Marcus remains a valued member of our community.
During his time as Chair, the HTA has strengthened its voice with government and regulators, expanded its membership, and introduced new initiatives to support safety, compliance, and collaboration across the heavy transport sector. His dedication and leadership have been pivotal in guiding the Association’s progress, and we extend our sincere gratitude for his contributions.
Under the Rules of Association, Chris Britton has now stepped into the role of Chair and will hold this position until the next Annual General Meeting, when members will come together to elect a new Chair.
"I would like to put on record our thanks Marcus for everything he has done for the HTA. We look forward to his continued involvement with the Association and the benefit of his experience in the years ahead. In the meantime, I look forward to continuing the momentum Marcus has helped create, and to ensure the HTA continues to represent and deliver for the best interests of its members.
Chris Britton, Chair"
The HTA remains committed to building on the momentum achieved in recent years and to working tirelessly in the best interests of its members and the wider industry. Members will receive further details regarding the AGM in due course.
Following a well-attended Special Open Industry meeting; the HTA has published ALG Guidelines to assist operators with regards to notifying the movement of non-standard loads (C&U or STGO) and their dealings with the police (in respect of the updated NPCC Guidelines). The guidance also contains a link to the HTA Online Risk Consideration & Assessment Tool (ORCA) the use of which can assist operators demonstrate a risk assessment has been carried out in respect of the likelihood of any road traffic laws being contravened.
"It was a privilege to host the first HTA Special Open Industry Meeting, which brought together both members and non-members in a shared virtual space. The primary purpose was to provide clarity, direction, and support in response to the updated NPCC guidance.
It was encouraging to see such strong engagement from across the industry. The questions raised and insights shared reinforced the importance of open dialogue as we navigate evolving expectations and standards. This session marks a positive step forward in aligning our collective understanding and ensuring consistent, informed practices.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend and contribute. Your involvement is what makes these conversations meaningful and effective. We will continue to provide platforms for collaboration, and further guidance will be shared as we progress. I want to especially thank the committee members whose dedication makes these meetings possible"
Marcus Gough, HTA Chairman
"Informative and factual, exactly what the industry needs"
Holly Edwards, Transport Admin, TDR Transport
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), in collaboration with the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG), has today released new national guidance to support police forces in the management of abnormal load movements across the UK. The new guidance marks a significant step forward in improving coordination, transparency, and efficiency for both law enforcement and the transport industry.
This landmark document reflects extensive consultation with the transport and logistics sectors and is designed to ensure a safer and more predictable operating environment for the movement of abnormal loads, while also supporting the operational requirements of police forces.
Key highlights of the new NPCC guidance include:
NPCC spokesperson said:
“This new guidance is a testament to what can be achieved through close collaboration between law enforcement and industry. It brings greater clarity to both police forces and operators, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and focusing resources where they are truly needed.”
ALG spokesperson said:
“We’re delighted that the NPCC has listened and understand that this guidance is an economic enabler and we look forward to continuing to work with them collaboratively going forward.
“We recognise that police have an incredibly challenging job to do and abnormal loads movements are a specialism. It’s only right that officers across all forces have the most up-to-date guidance that will help them support operators moving abnormal loads.
“This will also give infrastructure project leaders and hauliers the certainty that they will have a consistent service from officers when they require their support.”
The NPCC has agreed that the guidance will be subject of ongoing review and amendment, so it remains fit for purpose.
HTA spokesperson said:
"The HTA welcomes that the guidance now encourages police forces to explore the benefits of accrediting selected private escorts under CSAS to direct traffic for the purposes of escorting an abnormal load with limited but targeted powers. The HTA has long believed that this will be a positive move to help drive compliance in the industry, provide greater flexibility, and ease the burden on many police forces. The association are keen to ensure that these powers should be piloted in a controlled and monitored way in order to establish best practice. To this end the HTA SAbLE project team have been in discussion with a number of police forces about controlled pilots (in liaison with NPCC). Police forces wishing to explore joining these pilots should eMail HTAadmin@heavytransportassociation.org.uk."
A formal review will take place twelve months after publication.
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Contributions of evidence/information from members/non-members has been a vital tool in presenting facts to authorities and it is felt that the matter has sufficient importance to take the unprecedented decision to hold a special 'open' meeting available to a limited number of non-members on a first-come first-served basis. We can now announce that the meeting will be online by Teams/Zoon and take place at 14:00 on Weds 11 June 2025.
If you are already a HTA member, you can register for the meeting by logging into your HTA account online as usual here.
To attend as a non-member your business would have to be eligible for operator membership and attendance will be subject to availability (one attendee per company). If you wish to attend, please use this link to apply (online submissions close 12:00 noon, Saturday 07 June 2025).
Successful applicants will receive the online meeting link by eMail from HTAadmin@heavytransportassociation.org.uk.
In anticipation of the interest around this issue, please use the same online form to pre-advise any question so that we can maximise the meeting time on the day (questions will be curated to understand priorities for discussion).
The much awaited updated NPCC Guidance on the policing of Abnormal Loads is due for release imminently. The HTA has played a leading collaborative role through the ALG in its development with NPCC.
"This is a key piece of work – heavily informed by industry on key issues firms are facing with inconsistent police service on supporting abnormal load movements." Richard Smith (MD, RHA)
"This guidance is possibly the most vital document produced in over 15yrs for our community. We are aware of many forces and individual officers are equally eager to receive the guidance to collaborate much needed consistency and lawful application of the relevant legislation." Marcus Gough (HTA Chairman)
The HTA are led to believe publication will be early June 2025. Upon release, and in anticipation of questions/interpretations from all corners of industry, the HTA have decided to host a special 'Open' (online) meeting which will be convened approximately one-week post-release.
The HTA has previously garnered views, evidence and opinions from across the sector with contributions from members and non-members alike and it is felt that the subject has sufficient importance to take the unprecedented decision to open the meeting up to a limited number of non-members on a first-come first-served basis. To attend as a non-member your business would have to be eligible for operator membership and attendance will be subject to availability (one attendee per company). Once the NPCC Guidance is released we will publish on HTA website/social media together with the meeting date as well as prompting for questions/applications to attend from non-members (members register for the meeting in the usual way).
Recently, several members have raised concerns about reports from various police forces regarding the carriage of hook blocks attached to the front of mobile cranes. These reports suggest that drivers are being cited for alleged offences related to this practice. Social media posts from police groups have further contributed to the confusion, claiming that a new law will come into effect on 1 May 2025, making this configuration unlawful.
In response, the HTA contacted the Department for Transport (DfT) to seek urgent clarification.
We are pleased to confirm that a DfT spokesperson has stated there are no legislative changes currently planned or due to come into force concerning the carriage of hook blocks mounted (reeved) on the front of mobile cranes. It appears that references to such changes may stem from a localised operational policing issue, not from any national legislative action.
The HTA and its partner organisations are actively engaging with the relevant police forces to robustly challenge and address these concerns directly.
Further discussions are scheduled for later this week, and the HTA is continuing to seek detailed clarification on the matter. We will issue updates as more information becomes available.
The Heavy Transport Association (HTA) is the only UK trade association solely dedicated to the abnormal loads industry, proudly representing a wide range of members, including mobile crane operators.
The next HTA General Meeting will take place after the National Police Chief's Council publishes its updated guidance.
The guidance is expected to be published in the coming weeks and will consist of guidance about key issues such as embargoes and police escorts.
We will advise members once there is a development and a date fixed for the next HTA General Meeting. You can find out how to join the HTA by clicking here.
"This guidance is possibly the most vital document produced in decades for our community. We are aware of many forces and individual officers are equally eager to receive the guidance to collaborate much needed consistency and lawful application of the relevant legislation. Whilst it is frustrating to endure a somewhat delayed publication from the original timeline, its correct to ensure that the document is fit for purpose and meaningful."
Marcus Gough, Chairman
It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the passing of Rory McDonald, a respected haulier and cherished member of our community. As the owner and operator of Hi-Line Transport Ltd, Rory was not only an exemplary professional in the Caravan Haulage sector, but also a trusted colleague and friend to many.
Rory’s contributions to the industry were significant, and his dedication to excellence in service set a standard that we all admired. His passion for the work, commitment to safety, and the respect he showed for both his team and clients will continue to inspire us all.
We extend our deepest condolences to Rory’s family, friends, and everyone at Hi-Line Transport Ltd during this incredibly difficult time. His loss will be felt across the industry, and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones.
The Heavy Transport Association,The White House, High Street,Tattenhall, Chester, Cheshire CH3 9PX
e: HTAadmin@heavytransportassociation.org.ukt: +44 (0)1829 773 104
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